Reebok Duty Rapid Response Review
The Reebok Rapid Response combat boots are a great choice for those who are looking for a decent pair of work boots with a reasonable price tag. They are going to offer you the support and stability that you need to keep your protected while you are on the go, but they will also give the freedom to move thanks to the great flexibility on the uppers and soft outsole. You can go almost anywhere with these boot without having to worry about if you will be able to stay on your feet.
The outsole is designed to ensure you can keep quite a grip on a plethora of surfaces. From rain to snow, to mud, to gravel, you are going to be able to safely move around without the fear of falling. These boots do not come without their pitfalls, however. They are not always the most comfortable, some reviewers mentioned that it might be beneficial to purchase an additional insole to give you a little better arch support and underfoot cushioning to keep your feet happy. Additionally, these have the tendency to suffer from some premature wear and tear, mostly the seems on the backs of the boots will slice open, making them unwearable after only a short time. These seem to be a pair of work boots that customers either love or hate.
- Supportive and stable
- 100% non-metallic
- Good shock absorption
- Electrical hazard safe
- Flexible feeling
- Amazing traction
- Suffers durability problems
- Not the most comfortable
Outsole
Midsole
These boots are also going to offer you a decent amount of shock absorption thanks to the underfoot padding. When your feet strike the ground with each step you take, some of that impact is going to be soaked up by the cushioning, relieving some of the stress from your joints which can help prevent joint pain or discomfort.
Upper
The uppers come with a zipper on the side with a hook-and-loop (velcro) strap so you get them on and off easily. They do have a lace-up design so you can tighten them when needed to ensure you get a snug and secure fit. You will get the experience of a padded tongue and collar to give you a little extra comfort while you are wearing them.
Additionally, there is a nylon mesh liner inside the boots the help ensure you get a well ventilated and breathable experience. You will be able to get an adequate amount of air flow into your boots to help keep your feet cool and dry while you are walking around in them.
Durability
That being said, there are always those who have had negative experiences and have had their boots suffer from premature wear and tear. Unfortunately, there were more than just a handful of complaints so it is important to note that there are some problem areas with them. The outsole, even through great for traction, is made out of a soft rubber which can wear down quicker than you might like, which can be kind of frustrating when you are spending your money on a product that you expect to last. One of the biggest complaints about them, though, is that the sole will start to pull away from the boots and the stitching on the side with start to come undone. Some users only got a couple months worth of wear out of these boots before they had to be replaced.
Fit
Customers love the wide toe box that gives them a little extra wiggle room while they are wearing them. It is nice to be able to wiggle your toes without having to worry about your whole foot wiggling and sliding around. Overall, customers are generally happy with how they fit and feel on their feet, assuming that have purchased the correct size.
Support
Weight
Style
The simple design features a lace-up closure to give you great support, but also a zipper on the side to allow you easy access. You can quickly and easily put your boots on and take them back off without having to mess with the laces every time. They are electrical hazard safe and designed with no metals at all which is nice.
Flexibility
Comfort
There are a few reviewers who were not completely satisfied with how they felt on their feet. One stated that the tongue of the boot was sewn awkwardly and would rub on his foot and ankle, causing blisters and sores. Others stated that they are extremely uncomfortable right out of the box and can require a significant amount of time to get them broken in before they will be acceptable all day footwear.